Stefan Bajcetic on Newcastle, senior football, Klopp support and more

The 18-year-old has transitioned from an Academy centre-back into a Premier League midfielder, making both his top-flight and Champions League debuts in the process.

After a first senior start against Derby County in the Carabao Cup in November, he has featured seven times under Jürgen Klopp across all competitions since the resumption following the World Cup – starting five of those fixtures.

Bajcetic's upward trajectory into the Reds' senior team reached new heights in Monday's Merseyside derby victory, taking the Player of the Match honours in an assured display beyond his years.

"It's been good. I'm enjoying it a lot," Bajcetic told Liverpoolfc.com. "I like the pressure of the situation, that we have to win. I like to be here and it's something I've been dreaming of since I was a kid. I like it.

"I know football is like that, I know we depend on how happy the fans are. When we win, they are happy that day, and when we lose that day for them is bad, so it's always nice to try to win for them."

The midfielder added January's Standard Chartered Men's Player of the Month award to his ever-growing reputation, an achievement aided by the belief in him from Klopp and his coaching staff.

"Since the start, since pre-season, they have been very supportive to me," Bajcetic added.

"I'm very thankful for that because as a young guy it gives you massive confidence when you see the staff is trying to help you. That just makes you feel good.

"And yes, since day one, they've been very supportive and I'm very thankful to them."

Read on for the rest of our interview with the No.43 below…

Stefan, let's just reflect on the Merseyside derby, give us an insight into how that experience was for you...

It was amazing. The atmosphere was crazy... in our situation [needing to win] and a derby, we knew it was going to be a very good atmosphere, but the fans are amazing and obviously [it was] good for us to get them the win as well.

How was it to feel that electric atmosphere at Anfield?

For me, it was like the first time starting a game that big; it felt so good. When you are in the pitch you feel you can do everything, they're going to back you – it was a very nice feeling.

And you won Player of the Match, receiving a huge reception when you left the field from supporters, that must have been a big boost to your confidence?

Yeah, when I came off, that standing ovation was crazy. My legs were a bit shaky! It was great to get the Player of the Match as well. I didn't expect it.

It must've been good as a squad to get back to winning ways in the Premier League...

It's always good to win. But after our situation, in a derby, it's very important this win, but we know to [move] forward we need more and more wins. Just one win isn't enough.

On your position, you've moved from centre-back to No.6, and now you have played No.8 also...

To be fair, when I was a centre-back I was more like an offensive centre-back, like my best attributes were stepping in, or passing through and more offensive stuff. Then when I stepped in six it was good, I enjoyed it, and now I play eight – it's quite similar to a six.

What do you think has been the biggest thing you've learned over the past few weeks?

On the pitch, probably turning and knowing what's around and then knowing when to speed up the game, when to slow down the game. And off the pitch, it's just standards basically.

Just looking back briefly, how helpful was the December training camp in Dubai in aiding your transition into the first team?

That camp gave me a lot of confidence because some of the players were with the national team in the World Cup, so I have more opportunities to play as well. I started some games, some friendlies and that gave me good confidence because I played, I think, good. That gave me confidence to then go back to the Premier League and be able to show myself.

It's Newcastle this weekend. How have things around the training ground been ahead of the game?

We're looking ahead to win more games. We know it's going to be tough in St. James' Park, but obviously we are Liverpool, so our aim is to win all the games. Hopefully we can do it.

And it should be a good atmosphere under the lights...

Yeah, definitely. Their fans are very good, I never played there, but that's what people say. We know our fans are going to be there also like always.

Finally, several of the injured players have returned recently to training and the matchday squad, has that lifted morale among the players?

Yeah, definitely. Every player has a big role in the team. So everybody that comes is helpful. Hopefully Ibou and the rest, Lucho, all can come back as soon as possible and help us.